Ronaldo, Modric and the 40-somethings ready to shine at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature some evergreen footballers with several stars set to feature in their forties.

Former Cameroon forward Roger Milla is the only outfield player to have played at aWorld Cup after his 40th birthday, having appeared at and scored at the 1994 tournament. However, Milla's milestone is set to be matched by a number of names at this summer's finals.

Here are the timeless quadragenarians set to star at the 2026 World Cup.

Guillermo Ochoa - Mexico

The veteran goalkeeper has been included in the co-host's squad, where he has the chance to make history this summer.

Ochoa has the chance to feature in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, having featured in his first edition of the tournament in 2006.Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are also set to feature at their sixth tournaments this summer.

Edin Dzeko - Bosnia-Herzegovina

Edin Dzeko is still going strong and will captain Bosnia-Herzegovina's challenge this summer. The 40-year-old has scored a record 73 goals in 148 appearances for the national team, and arrives in North America having helped Schalke to Bundesliga promotion. Dzeko scored six goals in 11 games after his January move to the German side.

Craig Gordon - Scotland

Craig Gordon is the oldest player called up for the 2026 World Cup. The Scottish shot-stopper celebrated his 43rd birthday in December and will become the second-oldest World Cup player ever if he features, behind Egypt's Essam El Hadary.

Manuel Neuer - Germany

Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to rejoin the German national team. The goalkeeping great called time on his international career after Euro 2024, but is back involved after winning the German double with Bayern Munich in 2025/26. He's seeking a second World Cup win, after a key role in Germany's 2014 triumph.

Vozinha - Cape Verde

The Cape Verde goalkeeper will add experience to the debutants after winning 81 caps for the national team. The 40-year-old currently plays his club football inPortugal's second tier.

Fernando Muslera - Uruguay

Another veteran goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera will celebrate his 40th birthday during the tournament. Muslera has won a whopping 134 caps for Uruguay, and has become the first of his countrymen to be called up to five World Cup squads, after a U-turn on his international retirement.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest outfield player at what will be an unprecedented sixth World Cup. Ronaldo's remarkable career has seen him set records for international appearances and goals, but the World Cup remains a glaring omission from the résumé. Can Ronaldo finally get his hands on the trophy this summer?

Luka Modric - Croatia

The greatest Croatian footballer of all time will pass 200 caps for his country this summer. Modric remains the key cog in the Croatian midfield and impressed at AC Milan this season.

Having reached at least the semi-finals in the last two tournaments, he'll hope to inspireCroatia to another strong showing.